Ulta Return Policy, Explained
Ulta refunds most new or gently used products returned within 30 days and gives merchandise credit from day 31 to day 60; ID is required.
By Olivia HarperContributing writer. Policy checked .
On this page
Store policies change. This is a summary in our own words of the returns section of Ulta Beauty's Guest Services page, read on October 26, 2026. The official page is the one that applies; check it before you return anything.
How long you have
Ulta counts from the original purchase date. What you get back changes after the first month.
| When you return | What you get |
|---|---|
| Within 30 days | Refund to the original form of payment |
| Day 31 to day 60 | Merchandise credit (an electronic gift card for mailed returns) |
| After 60 days, by mail | No refund; the package is mailed back |
Products sold by third-party sellers on UB Marketplace can be returned within 60 days. A return with a gift receipt within 60 days can only be exchanged for a product of equal or lesser value or returned for merchandise credit.
Opened makeup
Ulta accepts new or gently used products, so opened makeup can come back within the windows above. Bring all the original components. Ulta says it does not resell used, damaged or expired products and disposes of items that do not meet its standards. The page gives no separate rule for opened items beyond that.
Returns without a receipt
Ulta requires proof of purchase unless it can verify the original purchase in its own system. A product that cannot be verified and has no proof of purchase gets no refund, exchange or merchandise credit. For any return, Ulta asks for a government-issued physical ID and a phone number or email address. All returns are subject to Ulta's validation and approval, and it may limit returns when it suspects misuse.
What Ulta does not take back
- Gift cards
- Wigs and hair extensions bought through an Ulta Beauty salon
- Intimate wellness devices
- Mini Brands Capsules that are opened or unsealed
- Single-use coupons from the original purchase
Ulta.com purchases made through TikTok Shop go back through the TikTok app, not a store. Products bought outside the US must be returned in the country of purchase.
How your payment affects the refund
- PayPal, Afterpay and other online payment services: refunded to a card you choose, or merchandise credit for in-store returns.
- Ulta gift card: refunded on a new Ulta gift card.
- DoorDash or Instacart orders: merchandise credit within 60 days, usable only in stores.
- Uber Eats orders: refunded to the Uber Eats account within 60 days.
Discounts from promotions and coupons are prorated and taken out of the refund, and Rewards points earned on returned items are deducted.
Returning by mail
You pay for return shipping, and shipping charges are not refunded. Ulta asks for ground shipping and suggests a traceable method such as UPS or insured USPS mail. It says refunds are processed within 30 business days after the package reaches its distribution center, and a card refund can take another 7 to 10 days to show. Exchanges are not offered by mail.
Salon services
For a concern about a salon service, Ulta asks you to contact the store manager within 7 days of the service date.
Source
Guest Services: returns, Ulta Beauty. Policy checked October 26, 2026.